Bill > SF2197

This bill establishes a driver's education financial assistance pilot program to help eligible youth ages 15-24 obtain driver's licenses, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. The program will provide grants up to $2,000 per participant to cover driver's education costs, including course fees, permit and license application fees, road test vehicle use, and even previous fines blocking license acquisition. Eligible participants must meet specific criteria, such as experiencing homelessness, being in foster care, participating in workforce programs, or demonstrating financial hardship. The program will be implemented in at least four different community types (urban, rural, suburban, and Tribal) and will be administered by the Department of Public Safety through a referral system. A special revenue account will fund the program, with $3,850,000 appropriated for fiscal year 2026. Additionally, the bill creates a work group of commissioners from education, public safety, and employment to study driver education availability in Minnesota, analyze barriers for low-income students, and recommend potential permanent funding sources. The pilot program and associated work group will expire on June 30, 2028, with participating entities required to collect and report data on program outcomes, including the number of applicants, awards issued, and successful license acquisitions.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF2197&ssn=0&y=2025